PLANS to build a business park on open fields at Bowlee have been slammed by an independent inspector.

Following the public enquiry into objections to the Middleton West Business Park last year, inquiry inspector Peter Davies has submitted a 210-page report to Rochdale Council - and has recommended all plans for Bowlee are deleted.

More than 200 people objected to the proposals for a variety of reasons, and now the council must consider these objections and the inspector's views when making its decision.

Although the inspector's recommendations are not binding on the council, if officials continue their plans for the business park they must give strong reasons for doing so.

One of the main objections to the scheme is that building a business park at Bowlee will not only get rid of valuable green space, but will also ruin the character of nearby villages.

Mr Davies agreed with this view and said: "As a greenfield site (this development) does not rest comfortably with the council's approach to urban concentration and regeneration.

"Although not approved green belt, the land forms part of a wider and extensive area of open countryside to the south-west of Rochdale. This comprises an attractive area of open countryside, bringing open space close to nearby residents.

"The Middleton West Business Park would, in my opinion, adversely affect the character and appearance of Bowlee."

Another problem pointed out in the inspector's report is the issue of public transport. Both train and bus routes to the site are unsatisfactory, whereas motorway links to the M60 and M62 are good.

This means that there is a chance that new jobs at the business park wouldn't go to local people but to those from further afield, who could drive in to work.

The inspector said: "Taking into account the proximity of the M60 and M62, it would be reasonable of me to conclude that potential employees at the site would be drawn from a much wider area than south Rochdale.

"The council is pursuing a site that is 'market related', with easy access to the motorway network and not, primarily, to meet the needs of Rochdale residents."

Other locals' objections, however, were given little weight by Mr Davies, who said this development would not necessarily lead to a bigger business park, and also deemed an alternative site on Langley Lane equally unsuitable.

He said there was no ecological reason why the development should not take place, but concluded the proposed business park would cause "substantial harm".

The council now has to consider the inspector's recommendations and decide whether it accepts them.

Councillor Allen Brett, leader of the council, said: "The decisions and modifications will be the subject of a report to be presented to councillors in the autumn.

"We will then publish a statement of decisions and modifications for public consultation, as we are required to do by law so that anyone may object or support them.

"The townships will be fully involved in this process."

The inspector's report has come as a good piece of news to those who objected - but they know the danger is still there.

David Lappin, from Middleton Environment Group, said: "We were devastated by the plans so the report is great news, but it's not 10 out of 10 yet. We just hope the council will listen to the inspector."